Crimestoppers launches County Lines campaign

The charity Crimestoppers is today launching a national campaign to highlight County Lines and encourage the public to report their concerns.

The aim is to help the public understand what ‘county lines’ is and to encourage reporting to Crimestoppers, the charity is running a campaign which commenced today. An advan will be touring the various parts of the region next week, giving people more information on how they can play their part in helping to tackle this issue. In addition, a social media campaign has also been launched by the charity to raise awareness of the crime.

What is County Lines?

County lines refers to gangs and organised criminal networks which export illegal drugs into suburban, rural and coastal areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal line.” The crime sees County Lines gangs exploit children and vulnerable adults to move drugs and money.

The gangs move into a rural or suburban area for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person where they set up a base. Many of those taken advantage of by these gangs have been forced to carry out criminal activity by threats, grooming and extortion and can be described as modern day slaves.

Spot the signs and report concerns

Have you noticed:

A child or young person (sometimes as young as 12), during school hours or unusual hours (e.g. early in the morning, late at night)? They might be in a shopping centre or high street, or on public transport.
A child or young person who seems unfamiliar with the local area?
A child or young person being approached or intimidated by a controlling peer or group?
A child or vulnerable person who is deliberately avoiding authority figures such as police officers or security guards?
More people calling at a local address than normal? Sometimes at unsociable hours?
Suspicious vehicles or people at an address?
A neighbour has not been seen for a while?

If you see something concerning either a young or vulnerable person that doesn’t feel right, or looks suspicious, you can report your concerns 100% anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by sending an untraceable online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Speaking about the campaign, Emily van der Lely, Crimestoppers lead on County Lines, said: “We know that the term ‘County Lines’ might not be widely recognised, which is why we are launching this campaign and asking for your help to support us in tackling this issue.

“We need help to put a stop to this exploitation and the damage that these criminals are inflicting on our communities and those being taken advantage of.

“We are asking you to contact us anonymously and safely through our 0800 555 111 number, or via our secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org – both methods are 100% anonymous. Always. Together we can put a stop to this.”

If you recognise any of the signs listed above, Crimestoppers will take your information. Contact them anonymously on 0800 555 111 or send an untraceable online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.